Hearing Aids 101

A Simple Guide to Better Hearing

If you’re new to hearing aids, it’s normal to have questions. How do they work? Will they feel comfortable? Will they really help? Today’s hearing aids are advanced, discreet, and designed to support real-world listening — helping you hear more clearly and feel more confident in everyday life.

At Broadwater Hearing Care in St. Petersburg, FL, we believe understanding your options is the first step toward better hearing. This guide walks you through the basics so you can feel informed and empowered.

What Are Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are small electronic devices worn in or behind the ear that amplify and process sound. Unlike simple amplifiers, modern hearing aids are programmed specifically for your hearing needs. They enhance speech, reduce background noise, and adjust automatically to different listening environments.

Hearing aids help you:

Hear conversations more clearly
Reduce listening effort and fatigue
Stay engaged in social situations
Improve communication at home, work, and in public

How Hearing Aids Work

Hearing aids use advanced technology to deliver clearer sound:

Microphones

Microphones pick up sound from your environment.

Processors

Processors analyze and adjust sound based on your hearing profile.

Speakers

Speakers deliver sound into your ear at comfortable, customized levels.

Many hearing aids automatically adapt as you move from quiet spaces to noisy environments, making listening more natural and effortless.

Types of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids come in several styles, each designed for different preferences and hearing needs:

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Worn behind the ear with a small tube or wire

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

Lightweight and discreet with excellent sound quality

In-the-Ear (ITE)

Custom-fit to sit in the outer ear

In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

Smaller options that fit partially or fully inside the ear canal

Extended-Wear or Implantable Options

Designed for long-term wear with minimal daily handling

The best style depends on factors such as hearing loss level, dexterity, lifestyle, and cosmetic preference.

Hearing Aid Features to Know

Today’s hearing aids offer a wide range of helpful features, including:

Directional microphones for better speech clarity
Background noise reduction
Automatic environment adjustment
Rechargeable batteries
Bluetooth connectivity for phones, TVs, and other devices
Tinnitus masking or relief options

Not everyone needs every feature. Our role is to help you choose technology that supports how you live and listen.

Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

Many people ask about the difference between prescription and OTC hearing aids.

OTC Hearing Aids

OTC hearing aids are designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and can be purchased without a hearing exam.

Prescription Hearing Aids

Prescription hearing aids are professionally fitted and programmed based on a comprehensive hearing evaluation, offering more advanced sound processing and personalization.

For many individuals, prescription hearing aids provide better comfort, clarity, and long-term success, especially in challenging listening environments.

Getting Used to Hearing Aids

Adjusting to hearing aids is a process. Your brain needs time to relearn sounds it may not have heard clearly in a while. Follow-up visits allow us to fine-tune settings, answer questions, and ensure your devices feel comfortable and effective. With patience and proper support, most users report improved confidence, reduced fatigue, and better overall communication.

Start with a Hearing Evaluation

The best way to know if hearing aids are right for you is through a professional hearing evaluation. This allows us to understand your hearing needs, explain your options clearly, and recommend solutions that fit your lifestyle and goals.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to learn more about hearing aids or explore your options, we’re here to help.

Call 727-205-0134 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with Broadwater Hearing Care in St. Petersburg, FL, today.